Airbus

Since the 40s, the US monopoly is due to the symbiosis between government and industry regarding civil projects during and after the Second World War. Boeing, Lockheed and MacDonnell Douglas dominated the whole business, supported by various government agencies with substantial funding for research and development. While European airlines are operating 25 percent of the global airline fleet, the European aircraft manufacturer share of the global market only amounts to ten percent. 85 percent of all commercial aircraft are made in the United States; five percent are built in the rest of the world.

In de mid of 60s, it becomes more and more urgent for the industrial decision-makers to react face to this situation and French and British governments are aware